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Nothing is more frustrating than pouring your heart and soul into growing a garden only to discover that pests have destroyed much of your edible crop. Corn borers and corn earworms are major pests of your corn crop, but they aren't too picky and will also destroy other fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and tomatoes, too. If you've discovered these pesky creatures in your garden, take action immediately to prevent extensive damage and protect your precious produce.

1

Plant your crops early and harvest them before late August. This prevents the late summer population of pests from causing devastating damage.

2

Apply mineral oil to the silk of the corn. This controls the growth of eggs and newly hatched larvae. Drop the mineral oil onto the silk as soon as the pests first appear, and repeat applications once a week until the silk starts to turn brown.

3

Handpick corn earworms from the plants. Gently, but firmly pluck each visible cornworm from the stalks and leaves of your plants.

4

Introduce parasitic and predatory insects into your garden. Lacewings and lady beetles will eat pests so they don't damage your crop, and can be purchased from many home and garden stores. Frogs, birds and spiders also will feast on the pests.

5

Treat crops with Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a naturally occurring bacteria that acts as an insecticide. This can be particularly effective if you've had trouble with corn borers in the past.

6

Remove old stalks, plow them under or rototill after you've harvested. This reduces the risk of a repeat infestation in the spring.

Things You Will Need

Mineral oil

Eye dropper

Parasitic and predatory insects

Bacillus thuringiensis

Shovel or plow

Tip

Time the release of predators depending on the part of the life cycle the pest is in. For example, if the predators eat the larvae, release them during that part of the pests' life cycle.

Warning

Don't spray your crops with commercial insecticides. These are somewhat effective at getting rid of pests, but they can also kill a large portion of your edible harvest, too, according to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.

About the Author

Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver.